Words from an enthusiast...
Originally posted by RFR2212
Ya know, it's disappointing that the govt departments crack down so much on vehicle modifications.....Too bad, I guess we just gotta take the chance.
Greetings,
Your concerns are not new, but whether the typical enthusiast agrees with NHTSA's views or not, State law enforcement authorities are following suit, and the consumer is going to continue to be "invited" to appear in court and/or be asked to pay a hefty fine. This, in my opinion (IMO), is unfortunate for the consumers and enthusiasts that want to customize their vehicles, but it is in the best interest of public safety. Also IMO, the manufacturers should be the ones to suffer, not the consumer. After all, you are buying products that are typically advertised as being "street legal," but are routinely being ticketed and fined for having illegal taillamps. And many of these same products, are being recalled for failing to comply with Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Maybe consumer efforts to pursue these importers (that are profiting from your hard earned dollars) and not the enforcers (State and Federal authorities) would be a more effective use of ones energy.
I understand why enthusiasts consider this to be an intrusion on their rights to customize their vehicles, fortunately you are under no obligation to return them (subject to a safety recall) if you don't want to. However, you may want to take a step back and consider what may (and has) happen(ed) in the event of an accident.
For conversations sake, let's say you got hit from behind by another motorist that was completely at fault. When the claims adjuster comes to evaluate the damage to your vehicle, he HAS grounds to deny your claim because you "made inoperative" required lighting equipment on the rear of your car. One must remember that insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums, and that paying claims hurts their bottom line. If you think that adjusters aren't smart enough to notice, well... they are. Insurance companies know what NHTSA is doing, and so do their claims adjusters. Btw, the motorist (remember the guy that ran into you when you were minding your own business?), or his attorney, also noticed you had clear taillamps. Well guess what, he has grounds to sue you and he/she will have attorneys lining up at his door to collect that easy, and large, fee.
IMO, as an auto enthusiast, I'd rather spend my money on suspensions and engine work before I installed illegal lighting products. With such a litigious society, I would not put my family at risk.
Regarding NHTSA, I know quite a few people that work there and I was very surprised to find out how many of them are also car enthusiasts. There aren't to many private industry (or gov't) jobs where you can get such an involvement in the auto industry with all the fringe benefits of being a gov't employee. Where else can you get paid to attend the SEMA show, industry car shows, research car magazines, and evaluate all the exotic vehicles that get imported into the US? I hear that several of the people there are on a first name basis with big wigs like Gates, Leno, Allen, etc...
As was mentioned in a previous post, you can check the following site that lists the current NHTSA recalls on these types of products:
http://fmvss108.tripod.com
It also has some information on Altezza style and clear taillamps and justifications as to why the current designs may not comply with Federal laws.
Also, the people at NHTSA are continuing to investigate companies like APC, Car Wear, JKL, Outback (OBX), Ultimate Product, Keystone, and JC Whitney for importing and/or selling noncompliant taillamps. I also hear they will are planning to pursue some of the other "big name" retailers that market these types of items when the resources become available.
I'd like to thank all of you in advance for allowing me to post my views, even though I am not a regular visitor to your forum.
Regards.
